What is a Kyphoplasty?

Learn how a kyphoplasty can reduce back pain.

What is a Kyphoplasty?

A kyphoplasty is a type of vertebral augementation surgery used to treat spinal compression fractures that have not responded well to conservative non-surgical treatments. With the assistance of X-ray imaging, a surgeon inserts a balloon catheter into a collapsed vertebrae, inflates it to restore the collapsed vertebrae, deflates the balloon and fills the cavity with bone cement to stabilize the vertebrae.

Am I a good candidate for a kyphoplasty?

You may be a good candidate if you have a painful vertebral compression fracture that not healed with a conservative treatment approach. Candidates for kyphoplasty typically have a severe collapse or wedging in the vertebrae. You’re not a good candidate if you have pain that is not related to a compression fracture, or if you have an extensive fracture that affects surrounding structures. If you have an infection, it must be treated and cleared before the procedure can begin.

Used To Treat These Conditions

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease

A spinal disc that is damaged through the normal process of aging, causing back pain and other problems.

Vertebrae Fracture

Vertebrae Fracture

How will I feel after surgery?

The majority of patients will notice immediate improvement of some or all of their symptoms while other symptoms may improve more gradually. A positive attitude and following your doctor’s post-surgery instructions will contribute to a satisfactory outcome.